myHR: March 14, 2012

Attend an Open Enrollment Information Session

Benefits Open Enrollment is still a few weeks away, but now's your chance to get more information on changes coming in the new plan year.

Join us for a series of Open Enrollment presentations in March and April so you can ask questions and get more details about your healthcare options for the 2012–2013 plan year.

Presentations will begin at the times listed below. They'll run for 45 minutes and conclude with a question and answer session. You're welcome to attend any of the sessions regardless of their location.

Additional sessions may be scheduled, so be sure to visit the Human Resources website for the latest schedule of presentations.

Discover the Secret to Hiring—and Keeping—Talented Staff

If you're like most managers, you want the best of the best when it comes to the talent and skill level of your team. But how do you ensure that you're attracting high performers in the workplace? And more importantly—how do you keep those employees once they're on board? We'll tell you!

Join us on March 27 for a workshop on Managing for High Performance. We'll show you how to recruit talented staff members and help them grow and thrive. You'll also learn strategies for retaining high performers so they don't get scooped up by other employers.

Come learn how to attract the cream of the crop to your workplace. Click here for complete details and to register.

Care for Your Future with Long-Term Care Insurance

An accident, illness or chronic disease can strike anyone—and at any age. If it happens to you or your loved ones, will you be financially prepared? Long-term care insurance can help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility.

If you're a full-time employee, you can enroll for long-term care coverage with Penn's new vendor, Genworth Financial. The enrollment period runs from Monday, April 2–Friday, April 27. If you enroll during this period, you'll be guaranteed acceptance into the plan regardless of your health status. Certain family members are eligible for coverage as well, but they'll have to provide proof of good health. Coverage will begin on June 1.

Keep in mind if you already have an existing long-term care contract with our previous vendor—John Hancock—you'll retain your coverage. But you'll still have the opportunity to enroll with Genworth later this year.

Join us for an upcoming information session to learn more about long-term care insurance and whether it's right for you. You can also contact Human Resources at benefits@hr.upenn.edu for more information.

Reduce Your Tax Bill This Year

If you're currently saving for retirement and fall within certain income limits, the Saver's Credit could reduce your tax bill by as much as $1,000. The actual percentage is based on your tax filing status and gross income.

For instance, let's say you're single and your adjusted gross income is less than $17,000. If you contributed $2,000 to your retirement plan last year, you're eligible for a 50% tax credit. That means you can reduce your tax bill by $1,000!

Wondering if you qualify? Take a look at the chart below to see if you can take advantage of this valuable tax credit. Keep in mind that if you're claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return, you're not eligible for the Saver's Credit.

For more details, visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.